Instructional strategies as a medium of teaching adapted physical education to the visually impaired at the school of the blind, Akropong-Akwapim of Eastern Region, Ghana

Abstract

Adapted physical education is one of the major tools used in the curriculum of special schools. The concept of adapted physical education is a door that opens the opportunity for an individual to improve character, by making them confident and hopeful in all aspects of their lives i.e. mentally, emotionally, socially, spiritually, morally and physically. This study therefore, focused on instructional strategies in teaching physical education to the visually impaired at the School for the Blind at Akropong-Akwapim in the Eastern Region of Ghana. It investigated instructional techniques as well as the role of feedback in the acquisition of skill. A descriptive research design was used for the study. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a teacher as well as twenty four students for the study. A questionnaire, structured interview, as well as a self designed observational checklist subjected to face and content validity by the supervisor and other experts in the physical education department, was used to collect the data for the study. The data analysis was done using the descriptive statistics of percentages, tables, bar and pie charts. The findings of the study showed that most special educators demonstrated effective identified instructional techniques as well as effective feedback in teaching skills in the study area. This was a result of the teacher‟s ability to understand human variables and change processes and also working co-operatively, appropriately, using appropriate social interaction, and also proper communication between the teacher and students. It is therefore recommended that institutions that train special educators should improve on equipping them with the appropriate tools and skills needed to help them effectively teach in these special schools. Further study is also recommended to help deal with the issues raised from the research findings.